rchang96: Hope you enjoy the violence in this chapter! :) Thank you for reviewing~


After gathering all the school supplies on a stolen cart, I sat on top of all my books and began to think. How am I supposed to get to Hogwarts? And how was I supposed to get my food? Maybe I should swing by Knockturn Alley and take large vials of blood before I leave here…

"What was that, Hagrid?!" exclaimed a boy.

I looked up at the boy. It was that Harry Potter kid. I've been hearing his name from lots of people passing today, maybe he's famous? Famous people do have lots money…

"Gringotts, Harry. And yeah, that pile s'all yers," said Hagrid. I did a double take on this Hagrid guy. A giant, possibly a half giant. I squinted my eyes. Definitely don't want to get into any trouble with him. And what pile is he talking about? Gringotts...pile...a fortune? Gears started turning in my head as devious plots started come into form. But first, I have to gain his trust.

I found a dark corner in the alleyway and quickly turned myself into a bat. Ascending into the air, I spotted Hagrid, sticking out like a sore thumb and listened to him explaining the workings of Hogwarts to Harry, such as Quidditch and sorting into houses. A flying-based game? Might as well just gift me the points to win. And I definitely liked the sound of Slytherin, but whatever the case, I must get into the same house as Harry Potter. Suddenly, an annoying shriek shook me out of my thoughts.

"I love my new bag, Mother! I'm going to store EVERYTHING in here from now on," exclaimed a little witch, in her loud, pitchy voice that was really hurting my sensitive bat ears. I watched her put her books inside. Then her potions set. Then her broom. Then her cat cage. How the hell?

She was then handed an envelope.

"Now dear, hold onto that ticket. You need it to get to Hogwarts," said the mother.

"Yes, mother," replied the witch, stuffing it in her bag.

I smiled and waited for my chance.

"Mother, can I have some those Chocolate Frogs on my trip?" said the witch, turning around.

I dived down at her bag and sliced the strings with my wings, catching it with both my claws before it landed on the floor. Before the she had a chance to react, I flew towards the crowd and disappeared.

I returned to my shady corner of Diagon Alley. I emptied the bag, not surprised at the contents spilling out as I've seen them being put in. The envelope was the last one. I opened it and sighed in relief. It was a ticket to Hogwarts.

First of September, 11 o'clock

King's Cross, Platform 9 ¾

I placed everything back in the bag and dug a shallow hole in the ground to temporarily bury it. I kicked some dirt over it and transformed back into a bat and hung inside a quiet roof and dozed off to sleep.


Adrenaline took over my body as I felt the pulse of my prey. Still alive, blood still pumping. Feeling slightly crazed with hunger, I felt the struggling haggard breaths she tried to take, unable to make a sound. At her hardest, she managed to gurgle the blood that was now overflowing her throat and going into lungs. I had slashed her throat, destroying her vocal cords. Warm blood was streaming from her neck, creating a big puddle that completely dampened her robe and brown hair. Her short, stubby arms swung wildly to reached for me as she struggled to breathe. I really hated doing this, as it wastes a lot of precious blood. But it makes the job easier, quieter. Unable to wait any longer, I exposed her neck and located the main artery and sank my teeth in it. Warm, rich fluid engulfed my sense. It was a sense a peace. Power was returning back to me as an immeasurable strength coursed through my body. I felt the body go limp and I stopped feeding, dropping the body. I pointed my wand at the body and whispered Bombarda. The body exploded into tiny fragments of human flesh, splattering blood within a three feet radius. I licked the blood that landed on the edge of my mouth. There was little blood left in the body anyways and I always preferred it fresh. Muggle blood can't compare to this, even if this prey was a Mudblood. But some of the magic in that blood made that blood higher quality. What would purebloods taste like? My mind became numb with pleasure as I started to imagine the taste of a much superior quality blood…

I woke up from the cool air whistling through the roof. It was still dark. I peered around Diagon Alley to look for a clock. It was quiet and deserted. It looked like a ghost town with the lack lights and bustling people. I spotted a clock in front of Sugarplum's Sweets Shop: 5 o'clock. It was the usual time I wake up.

My stomach grumbled at the dream. My body was probably yearning at the memory of how I killed Ava Bloomsworthy; my first taste of magic blood. It's been only a day since I've last eaten and I'm already hungry? This transforming back and forth is really taking a toll on my body. I definitely need more power…

I used every ounce of my energy to turned back into a bat and hung the bag around my neck. I flew up to scan the area. South of Diagon Alley, there was a dark area, similarly filled with shops. Curious, I flew down and read the signs.

This Way to Knockturn Alley.

The hunger pangs became more apparent as I knew food was close. I randomly entered a shop called The Coffin House through the postage hole through the door.

The first thing that greeted me was a thick sheet of cobweb. Grunting in annoyance, I brushed it off my wings. Inside the shop, an assortment of jars body parts and cauldrons was stored along the walls. There were also many half used candles and cabinets of old vials. My heart raced as I saw a glimpse of red liquid in the mass of vials. I pulled the cork out of one of the vials and sniffed the contents. It was blood. Human blood. If I could compare the taste, it would be like muggles eating prime rib eye steak. Animal blood is only mediocre; less satisfying, less rich, and lasts me only half of what human blood could. It would be like going vegetarian for a vampire. And don't even mention muggle food, that would be like eating straight from the garbage can.

I gathered as many vials of blood as I could and dropped them in my new bag.

"Seven...eight," I muttered, "That should last me awhile."

In the corner of my eye, I spotted a shimmering vial on the highest shelf of the shop. It was bigger than other vials. Slightly entranced by the iridescent liquid, I went for a closer look. The sheen looked like it was a treasure of the sea, like the liquid form a Mother-of-pearl. It was beautiful. I read the old label: Amortentia - aged 10 years. I knew what Amortentia was; it was a dangerous love potion. Normally it lasts 24 hours, but for it to be aged for that long... I wonder how the strong effects could be now. Deeming it useful for future use, I put it into my bag too.

Suddenly, the backdoor slammed open. I immediate flew behind the chimney and froze. I sensed a powerful figure approaching.

"...Y-yes, of course my lord," said the figure, as he entered hurriedly.

"Hurry, you fool. We have to get it before it's gone," said another voice.

I peered over. I thought I only sensed one.

He slowly approached my direction and I quickly pressed myself on bricks behind the chimney. I knew I would probably be dead if he saw me.

I heard some rustling and heard him talk again.

"Diagon Alley," the figure said and was gone in a crack of green fire in the fireplace.

He was gone. I flew over where he disappeared, wondering where he went. His presence was completely gone. Then I saw traces of spilled ashes on top of the chimney.

"I wonder…" I muttered and transformed back into my human form. With the bag still hanging on my neck, I grabbed some of the powder and walked into the fireplace.

"King's Cross Station," I said, saw a flash of green.

Next thing I knew, I was still in a fireplace but it was actually bright outside now. I walked out and was greeted with a train whistle. I immediately spotted a large clock on the platform that clearly displayed 10:45.

The muggles don't even seem to notice that I came out of a fireplace. Muggles in suits walked quickly around on the platform and seem to mind their own business. I kept walking to find platform 9 and soon found myself staring at platform 9 and 10.

"Maybe it's another place," I thought, crossing my arms.

"– all packed with Muggles, of course –" said a middle-aged lady.

I looked over and stepped a little closer to hear better.

"Okay Percy, you first," said the plump lady.

It was a family of wizards and witches, all red heads too. I raised an eyebrow.

The oldest looking boy marched towards the wall I was staring at earlier between platforms 9 and 10. Then he walked straight through the wall, baggage and all, and disappeared.

"Fred, you next," said the lady.

"He's not Fred, I am! Honestly, woman, you call yourself our mother," exclaimed one of the red headed twins.

"Oh, sorry George, dear."

"I'm only joking, I am Fred," said the boy, as he gleefully ran through the wall with his twin following behind him.

I cracked a smile. I actually became slightly excited to go to Hogwarts now. Fred and George huh… I tensed my legs and was ready to run into the wall when I heard a familiar voice.

"Excuse me," said a boy.

I turned my head. It was Harry Potter. Perfect. I didn't even need to find him.

"First time at Hogwarts, dear? It's Ron's first time too. Not to worry. All you need to do is run straight between platforms 9 and 10, and don't stop. Do a bit of a run if you're nervous," the plump lady kindly explained.

I rolled my eyes. Seriously Harry, did you not see three people just demonstrate that right in front of you.

I saw Harry go through. Then Ron. I almost thought Ron didn't make it though; he was hesitating so much. As soon as Ron went through, I ran towards the platform. I nodded at the plump lady and the next thing I knew, I saw a scarlet steam engine with a archway that had a sign that said Hogwarts Express.

Looking through the crowd, I decided to follow the red head family and Harry. With the twin's help, Harry finally managed to get his trunk in the train compartment.

"Blimey, aren't you Harry Potter?" chorused the twins.

I saw Harry turn red from the attention. I stared at him in annoyance. You think he would've gotten used to it by now.

I stepped into the train and looked for an empty compartment. I sat next to the window, put my hood up, and closed my eyes. I was getting weak from lack of food. Maybe if I could just open my bag and get a sip…

"Excuse me, could I sit here?" asked a boy.

I opened my eyes. It was Harry again. I did a curt nod. What were the chances of that? Suddenly realizing my mission, I snapped out of my hunger trance. I widened my eyes and sweetly smiled as I pulled down my hood.

"Hello, my name is Ava. What's yours?" I gently asked, my voice was soft and elegant.

Harry smiled at my friendly demeanor and sat down across from me.

"I'm Harry. Harry Potter," he replied. "So are your–"

"Um, anyone sitting there? Everywhere else is full," said another boy, shyly pointing at the seat next to me.

The youngest red head; it was Ron. I shook my head.

"Please, have a seat," I said, smiling gently.

Ron flushed and sat in the seat next to me, sitting a little too close to the doors. This is too easy. Ron then spotted Harry and his eyes widened.

"Are you really Harry Potter? I thought it might've been one of Fred and George's jokes," said Ron, "And have you really got that scar?"

Harry pulled his bangs back and showed his scar. Ron asked more questions about Voldemort, which I think he has his own reasons for doing those things, by the way, and Harry soon knew all the family members of the Weasleys. I was getting unamused but I chose to stay quiet for an opportunity. A clattering was soon heard outside the corridor and a smiling, homely looking woman slid back the compartment door.

"Anything off the trolley, dears?" she asked.

Ron muttered something about already having sandwiches and Harry sat up straight looking hopeful. I took that as my cue.

"A couple of everything, please," I said with a small smile.

I felt the gaping mouths from both of them. The woman gave me a basket of all the goods. I gave her eleven silver Sickles and seven bronze Knuts, and closed the door behind me. I turned around to face them only to meet their gawking faces.

"Hungry, Ava?" Harry asked, still shocked.

"Oh, just a bit," I replied.

Ron slowly took out his lumpy package to unwrap four sandwiches.

"I'll trade you for these, Ron," I said, innocently offering a bunch of pastries and candies.

"Y-you don't want these, it's all dry," said Ron, getting red in the face.

I smiled at him, then at Harry. I laid out the treats before them.

"Here, have some. We are friends right?" I asked, trying to look hopeful.

Both Harry and Ron furiously nodded and beamed at me. Harry first opened a package of pumpkin pastries and took a big bite out of them. Ron went for the Cauldron Cakes and Licorice Wands and stuffed his mouth full.

Thinking of the Amortentia that I luckily got a hold of earlier today, I decided to test the extent of its aged capabilities. I reached into my bag and got the vial of Amortentia. Hiding it in my cloak, I turned to Harry and Ron.

"I forgot to buy one more thing off the trolley. I'll be right back," I said calmly.

Both of them answered me with something incomprehensible with their mouths full, but I took it as their acknowledgement. I slid open the compartment door and looked for the trolley that was just a few feet away. The trolley witch saw me approaching and gave me a warm smile.

"What can I do for you deary?" she asked.

"Just wondering, what are your most popular treats?" I asked.

"Oh, my dear, there's so many. Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs, Fizzing Whizzbees, Pumpkin Pasties, Chocolate Cauldrons. But Chocolate Cauldrons is probably the number one seller; everyone likes a good box of chocolates. Why do you ask dear?"

"Can I have two boxes of Chocolate Cauldrons please? I'm just extra hungry today," I said, smiling innocently.

I paid her a Silver and took the boxes with me to the restroom in the back of the train. I opened one of the boxes and there laid an assortment of eight different chocolate pieces. I took out my vial of Amortentia and carefully dropped a drop onto each chocolate piece. Even though I had a good amount of this potion, I didn't even want to waste a drop of this rare potion. I opened my second box of chocolates and did the same. I safely corked the vial and hid it back inside my cloak. I held the two boxes of chocolates in my hand and started to walk back to the compartment. When I entered the compartment, Harry and Ron was still busy eating.

Harry turned to me, still chewing.

"Aren't you going to eat, Ava?" Harry asked, concerned and slightly guilty.

"Oh, I'm feeling a bit ill. I'll have some later," I said, continuing my act as I put hand to my mouth and feigned a small cough. Which was half true because of the lack of blood. "I always had a weak body. By the way, I bought more chocolates for you guys. Want to try some? I heard it's really good."

"You're the best, Ava!" Ron said happily between his chewing and took a piece. Harry said his thanks and excitedly took a piece as well. I grinned so hard that I thought my jaw was going to break off.

"That was the best chocolate I've ever had! Oh man." Ron exclaimed. Harry nodded furiously, obviously enjoying his piece as well.

"Oh, want to see me turn Scabbers yellow?" Ron said.

Before I could say anything, the compartment door slid open and a girl dressed in Hogwarts robes with bushy brown hair stepped in.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one," she said, revealing her rather large front teeth. Then she spotted Ron taking out his wand.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it, then" she said in her bossy voice.

I sighed inwardly. I forgot I had to deal with ten year olds. I need to make friends, not enemies. I pointed my wand at Scabbers, having my suspicions about his identity already, and pretended to do a Levitation Charm. I just needed to use my own powers to do this simple task. The least I want is to attract any attention from the Ministry. And as I wanted, Scabbers elevated into that air to about two feet.

"Wow, Ava how did you–" Ron began.

"Levitation Charm! You said you were Ava? I guess I wasn't the only one reading on our books. We could be friends. I'm Hermione Granger by the way, you two are?" she asked, looking at Harry and Ron.

Ron muttered his name and Harry said his.

"You three had better change, you know, I expect we'll be there soon," she said and turned to leave only to glance back again at the open box of chocolates. "Oh by the way, are those Chocolate Cauldrons?"

"Yes they are. The best chocolates by far," Ron said dreamily.

"Those chocolates are so costly! I'm surprised you two managed to get a hold of them. May I try one?" Hermione asked, already reaching for one.

"Ah–" I began, trying to stop this chaos. But it was too late; she ate it already.

"Mmm. This is quality chocolate. Oh, and I would change if I were you. We'll arrive shortly," she reminded and left.

A few minutes after she left, three boys entered. I recognized the middle one at once.

"Is it true? They say Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, is it?" Draco asked, looking at Harry with more interest than back at Madam Malkin's robe shop. Then he looked around and spotted me. Probably with more interest than I would have liked.

"You're here too?" he said, his eyes lighting up. "Let me reintroduce myself. My name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. And this is Crabbe and Goyle."

Ron snorted, possibly to hide his snigger. Draco looked at him.

"Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. Red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford."

He turned back to us. "You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you guys there."

Draco held out his hand to shake Harry's, but his eyes stayed on me. I gave him a small smile and he beamed at me, not even noticing the fact that Harry didn't take his handshake.

"Would you like some Chocolate Cauldrons, Draco?" I asked, trying to break the tension in the room, and also... test the chocolates. If I had devil ears, they would have been perking up like crazy.

"Of course," Draco replied smugly. He took a piece and put it in his mouth. He ignored the fact that Crabbe and Goyle practically looking as if they were begging him to offer them some of the chocolates as well. After chewing for a few seconds, he spoke.

"I'm not surprised that you eat the best things as well. My father buys it for me occasionally as well, but your's taste especially excellent," Draco said. "I didn't catch your name by the way. What was it?"

"Ava" I replied with a smile, trying not to give my identity away too much.

"A very fitting name," Draco said, taking my left hand and softly planting a kiss on it.

Harry and Ron both had bewildered and angry expressions on. I didn't think too much of the gesture and only smiled back at Draco. Mostly importantly, I was wondering why the spiked chocolates weren't taking effect.

"We'll be at Hogwarts soon. I'll see you then, Ava. It was nice meeting you," Draco said.

The three of them left and both Harry and Ron took their robes outside the compartment to let me change. I chuckled at their innocence and quickly put on my new robes.

The train soon slowed to a stop and everyone pushed their way to a tiny, dark platform. I pulled my hood back up, just in case somebody actually knew the real Ava Bloomsworthy.

"Firs' years over here! Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!" boomed Hagrid, holding his lamp that towered over everyone.

Hagrid lead us down a steep and narrow path with only his lamp lighting the way. It was darkness all around us, just as I would have preferred it. The path soon opened into a great black lake, with large castle to be seen on top of a high mountain on the other side. Everyone whispered to each other in awe at the grandness of the castle. I was unimpressed. My home was much larger, possibly three times as big. We were told to ride four to a boat, so coincidentally, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I ended up in the same one. None of them knew what to expect while I was enjoying the darkness and silence. I started planning again because so far, everything was going according to plan.


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